Mazel Tov! Rep Barney Frank Marries Longtime Partner Jim Ready

Representative Barney Frank became the first member of Congress to marry a same-sex partner yesterday when he tied the knot with Jim Ready at the Boston Marriott hotel in Newton, Massachusetts. The two have been an item since 2005.

Ready, age 42, lives in Ogunquit, Maine and runs a small business that does custom awnings, carpentry, painting, welding and other services; he is also a photographer. Ready grew up in Tewksbury, Massachusetts. Frank, 72, has represented the Fourth District of Massachusetts in the United States Congress since 1981, and he previously served in the Massachusetts House for eight years.

More than 300 friends and family members attended the ceremony - including House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi.

The wedding ceremony was written and conducted by Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick - and included several snappy one-liners. Frank's witty and cutting remarks have made him a popular guest on news programs and both MSNBC and Fox were referenced in the vows. The duo pledged to love each other "on MSNBC or on Fox" and "in Congress or in retirement."

The complete text of the ceremony is after the break.

The Celebration and Blessing of the Marriage of Barney Frank and Jim Ready

Officiant, facing the people and the persons to be married, with the couple before him, addresses the people and says

Beloved family and friends: We have come together to witness and bless the joining together of BARNEY and JIM in marriage.

As you might imagine, at the request of the Congressman, this service will be short and to the point. But there are certain formalities that even a senior member of Congress must observe. The first is this question.

I ask you both that, if either of you know any reason why you may not be united in marriage lawfully, you do now confess it.

The Declaration of Consent

BARNEY AND JIM: Do you promise to love each other and be each other's best friend, In sickness and in health, In Congress or in retirement, Whether the surf is up or the surf's flat, For richer or for poorer, Under the Democrats or the Republicans, Whether the slopes are powdery or icy, Whether the book reviews are good or bad, For better or for worse, On MSNBC or on Fox, For as long as you both shall live.

BARNEY and JIM answer:

We do.

Ring Exchange

Barney places the ring on Jim's ring-finger and says:

JIM, I give you this ring -- as a symbol of my love and dedication -- and pledge my love now and always.

Jim places the ring on Barney's ring-finger and says:

BARNEY, I give you this ring -- as a symbol of my love and dedication -- and pledge my love now and always.

Officiant offers or introduces a prayer and blessing:

Let us all pray:

Heavenly Father, thank you for this day and this joy. Grant to BARNEY and JIM long life, good health, wisdom, patience, kindness, understanding, laughter, and loving family and friends. And may their days together be good and long upon earth. Amen

The Pronouncement

Then the Officiant joins the right hands of the couple and says:

Now that BARNEY AND JIM have given themselves to each other by solemn vows, with the joining of hands and the giving and receiving of rings, by the power vested in me by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, I pronounce that they are married.

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